Western Australia’s Kimberley region is one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in Australia. Remote and rugged with few roads and even fewer human residents, up here, wildlife and wild landscapes rule. Exploring by sea is the only way to experience the Kimberley’s shorelines, waterways and extraordinary archipelagos.
Which cruise companies have regular Kimberley voyages? We’re glad you asked! Here’s six cruise operators offering regular Kimberley cruises.
Heritage Expeditions
See the remote regions of Kimberley in luxury with just 140 fellow guests. View the region’s unique topography while cooling down in the sky deck swimming pool while the Visit little known islands and swim in water holes fed by waterfalls, view rock art tens of thousands of years old and learn about Aboriginal culture through the eyes of traditional owners.
Vessel: Heritage Adventurer
When: between June and August
Cruise duration: 10 nights
Why choose Heritage Expeditions? New Zealand based family-owned expedition cruise company with a 140-passenger luxury flagship supported by a fleet of Zodiacs. A lecture program along with a swimming pool and jacuzzi surrounded by sun lounges and a gym are further reasons.
Coral Expeditions
Explore extensive river systems from the comfort of Coral Expeditions unique Xplorer tenders with shaded seating for 50 pax, onboard toilet and guided commentary from expert expedition crew. Expedition crew and guest lecturers provide insights into wildlife, flora, fauna, geology and Aboriginal customs and the exceptional rock art galleries.
Vessels: Coral Adventurer, Coral Geographer and Coral Discoverer
When: between May and August
Cruise duration: 10 nights
Why choose Coral Expeditions? Australian flagged and Australian crewed, Coral Expeditions has been showing guests the Kimberly for nearly 40 years. With such experience comes intimate knowledge of the places, the wildlife and the stories which are ingrained into layers of sandstone as deeply as the region’s famed rock art.
True North
True North is one of the few cruise operators whose voyages run between Broome and Wyndham, thus avoiding the lengthy passage across the Bonaparte Gulf. True North’s other point of difference is their onboard helicopter, offering scenic flights for exceptional perspective of dramatic land and sea scapes.
Vessels: True North and True North II
When: between March and August
Cruise duration: 10 nights
Why choose True North? If the helicopter is not enough reason, luxuriously appointed vessels staffed by intuitive crew intent on meeting every guest need ensure True North is exceptional.
Kimberley Quest
A luxury small ship operator which specialises in north West Australian voyages, toys at guest’ disposal include a helicopter along with a fleet of tender vessels crewed by crew with exceptional local knowledge. Onboard, a small spa pool is a cooling alternative for not being able to swim in the sea (saltwater crocs inhabit these waters).
Vessel: Kimberley Quest II
When: between May and August
Cruise duration: between 3 and 20 nights
Why voyage with Kimberley Quest? It’s all in the name. There are few islands, rivers, waterfalls or swimming holes the crew don’t know about, ensuring you’ll visit remote places few have heard about.
Great Escape Charter Company
Cruising Western Australia year round as far south as the Abrolhos Islands, Great Escape spends much of the year exploring the north west coast. Small enough to adapt to guest interests or to create custom itineraries, a helicopter offers guests a unique perspective of remote archipelagos.
Vessel: MV Great Escape
When: March to October
Cruise duration: between 4 and 13 nights
Why voyage with Great Escape Charter Company? The stable twin hulled catamaran is perfect for cruises worried about seasickness, as well as providing panoramic views of the passing landscape. A foredeck spa tub and a helicopter will feel like you’re cruising on a private yacht.
Ponant
French-flagged Ponant is one of the larger cruise companies (up to 264 pax) with regular Kimberley voyages in their annual cruise program. With the larger size vessel come amenities such as 24-hour room service, an outdoor pool, choice of restaurants, entertainment theatre and fitness centre.
Vessel: Le Jacques-Cartier and Le Soleal
When: varies seasonally
Cruise duration: 10 nights
Why voyage with Ponant? The ship and its facilities vie for attention as much as the remote wilderness unfolding beyond elegant panoramic windows.
Essential info
Most Kimberley cruises ply the coastline between Broome and Darwing, departing in one and finishing in the other. The exception are operators which have their own onboard helicopters or who charter helicopters, and may pick up or drop off guests at locations such as Mitchell Falls or Wyndham.
Swimming in the sea is not possible due to the hazard of saltwater crocodiles. Many operators offer excursions or hikes to waterfalls (cruise in March or April for the best waterfalls) or freshwater swimming holes. Others offer special itineraries focused on fishing, watefalls, photography or Aboriginal rock art.
